Most people have their family-favorite marinara sauce — the one you grew up with. In my house, I had my grandmother Nan’s sauce that we ate at holidays and when she visited. And then I had my mother’s, which I also very much looked forward to.

This version is very similar to my mom’s and evokes happy childhood memories for me. Do note that all canned tomatoes contain different amounts of sugar and salt, so you may need to adjust the salt and sugar each time you make it to suit your taste — just be sure to add as little as possible.

Mostly Mom’s Marinara Sauce

This version is very similar to my mom’s marinara and evokes happy childhood memories for me. It’s a low-fat, family-style marinara you can use anywhere you’d use a jarred sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 1 10

Servings: 6 cups (1/2 cup per serving)

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
1-1/2 cups finely chopped yellow onion
2 tablespoons minced garlic
2 cans (28 ounce each) crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon dried oregano
2 teaspoons sugar, + extra if desired
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste

Method

Place a large nonstick sauce pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil, onion, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally until tender, but not brown, about 7 to 10 minutes.
Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, sugar, pepper flakes, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir until well combined.
Turn the heat to low and cover the pot. Cook the sauce for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Season with additional salt, if needed.

Notes

Makes about 6-1/2 to 7 cups.

Per serving (1/2 cup): 55 calories, 2g protein, 12g carbohydrates, less than 1g fat, trace saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 3g fiber, 252mg sodium.

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